CVE-2005-3553 in PHPKIT
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in include.php in PHPKIT 1.6.1 R2 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id parameter in conjunction with the login/userinfo.php path and (2) the session parameter (aka the PHPKITSID variable).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3553 represents a critical security flaw in PHPKIT version 1.6.1 R2 and earlier, specifically within the include.php component that affects web applications utilizing this content management system. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection flaws that enable remote attackers to manipulate database operations through carefully crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The affected software components are particularly concerning as they relate to core authentication and user management functionalities, making them prime targets for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the include.php script, which processes user-supplied data without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the id parameter through the login/userinfo.php path, or by manipulating the session parameter known as PHPKITSID variable. These parameters are directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without appropriate sanitization measures, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in application security, and demonstrates the classic pattern of insufficient input sanitization leading to database command injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3553 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, unauthorized user account manipulation, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to extract sensitive user information including usernames, passwords, and personal data stored in the database. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public internet access. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocol manipulation. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands provides attackers with extensive control over database operations, potentially enabling them to modify or delete critical system data, create new administrative accounts, or establish persistent backdoors within the application infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through multiple defensive measures. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being incorporated into database operations. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to PHPKIT versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original affected versions lack proper security controls. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while comprehensive logging and audit trails should be maintained to track any suspicious database activities that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.